Privilege Chitukutuku (27) and Farai Maronda (36), of Glenview 3 and Glenview 4 in Harare, on Tuesday appeared before Masvingo provincial magistrate Langton Ndokera accused of stealing three bundles of running earth wire at the local Zesa depot.
Maronda and Chitukutuku were each sentenced to six months in prison but two months of each’s sentence were suspended on condition that they do not commit a similar crime over the next five years.
It was the State’s case that on September 18, Maronda and Chitukutuku travelled from Harare to Masvingo and went on to steal copper cables at the depot.
Upon arriving at the depot, they used a pliers to cut the razor wire and a metal ladder to gain entry into the premises.
They then stole three bundles of running earth wire and rolled it but were later on intercepted by the security guards manning the premise who had heard the thieves’ voices.
Maronda was arrested on the scene and Chitukutuku managed to escape but was later arrested after a follow up was made by the police.
The stolen and recovered cable was valued at US$75.
Fidelicy Nyamukondiwa appeared for the State.crime

ZVISHAVANE – Ward 9 councillor, Khulekani Ndlovu of MDC Alliance, was recently pronounced new town chairperson after winning seven votes against Tinashe Mago (Zanu PF Ward 5) who got three votes.
Many residents, however, protested against Ndlovu’s assumption of the position arguing that a person from Ward 9 could not sufficiently represent the interests of residents of the town since the ward is one of the three under Shabani Mine’s jurisdiction.
They argued that residents from wards eight, nine and 10 did not pay rates to the town council but to the mining company therefore a person from those areas could not be expected to champion the interests of the town’s residents.
Zvishavane Residents and Ratepayers Association (ZRRA) vice chairperson, Janet Shava led the protests, calling for a new chairperson from any of the other wards.
The residents’ complaints, however, failed to produce the required effect, with the concillors saying there will not be another election.
Ndlovu will be deputised by fellow MDC Alliance Ward 3 councillor, Fatima Phiri who also won seven votes against Mago’s three votes.
Ndlovu replaces Esau Gwatipedza Dube who was most known probably for his runs-in with town secretary Tinoda Mukutu and former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere.
The new council is made up of Takarangana Keta (Ward 1), Patson Taruvinga (Ward 2), Fatima Phiri (Ward 3), Charity Majama (Ward 4), Mago, Jose Ferreira (Ward 6), Mike Jaravaza (Ward 7), Itai Pasira (Ward 8), Ndlovu and Andrai Banda (Ward 10).
Speaking after his election, Ndlovu promised to work together with residents to improve service delivery.
MDC Alliance has seven while Zanu PF won three council seats in the July 30 harmonised elections.politics

ZVISHAVANE – Talking of top hospitality in Zvishavane is impossible without referencing the conveniently-located Pote Hill Hotel which has grown in reputation and stature as the ultimate place of hospitality excellence in the district and beyond.
Undoubtedly the best hotel in the southern part of the country, Pote Hill boasts 46 state-of-art rooms purposefully designed to offer limitless comfort for the guest.
Tourists who wish to experience what the mining town has to offer or to explore the rest of the scenic Midlands province, can enjoy a good night’s rest at the hotel at affordable cost. The historical Great Zimbabwe monuments in the adjacent Masvingo province can also be reached in an hour’s drive.
Conferencing guests can book the hotel’s vast conference centre which has a sitting capacity of 250 people, with spacious gardens awaiting those who fancy the sunny outdoors.
So whether one is looking for a venue for an end-of-the-year party, an elegant wedding, a small family function, a big conference or just a home away from home, Pote Hill Hotel stands ready to host.
Wedding guests will particularly enjoy exciting photo-shoot moments in the verdant greeneries of the convivial gardens below the imposing hill from where the hotel partly derives its name.
Guests can tantalise their tastebuds in the hotel restaurant from either an `a la carte menu of succulent dishes or from a ready buffet of the choicest meats, veggies and all else.
For greater catering convenience, in-house guests can also request the hotel’s efficient room service for a snack, a small sandwich, a chilled drink or a hearty meal.
Pote Holdings general manager, Tumson Mtombeni said the hotel was pleased with its record as a friendly place for leisure, sport and business.
"We have reached this far due to topnotch customer service complemented by ever improving guest facilities. Ours is an affordable place for the individual, for the family, for colleagues and for the whole company. Those who choose to dine with us are never disappointed,” said Mtombeni.
The Hotel has won several merit awards from the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and at Megafest.business

MASVINGO – Lake October Festival has organised a number of events aimed at promoting Masvingo as a tourist destination while raising resources to donate to charity institutions in the province.
On Friday, October 19, there will be a Charity Golf Day to be played at Masvingo Golf Club and, in the evening, a ‘2 Legends Music Concert’ at Caravan Park. The concert will be headlined by Oliver Mtukudzi and Winky D, who will be supported by many other local acts.
The following day, a half marathon dubbed ‘Lake October Charity Marathon’ will be held close to Lake Mutirikwi, with DJ Stavo entertaining the people. Such activities as boat cruises, fishing, soccer, netball beach volleyball and fun shoots will also be available at the lake.
Lake October Masvingo Festival administrator, Susan Karanda said besides promoting Masvingo’s tourism potential, the initiative was seeking to raise donations in cash and kind for such charity institutions as Copota, Alpha Cottages and Mucheke Old People’s Home.
“There will be a lot of fun so we are inviting everybody to these activities. We are also looking for sponsorships from companies and individuals who want to partner us in making this effort a success. It would be money well-spent because the objective is to promote local tourism and make life easier for the less-privileged,” said Karanda.
She said an organisation can support the initiative by sponsoring a fourball golf team for US$200 or sponsor a hole for US$300.
Sponsorship in the form of prizes, T-shirts, mineral water, race numbers, tea and sandwiches is also being sought for the 21km marathon.
“This is the inaugural Lake October Festival in Masvingo and we are pleading with individuals, corporates and other organisations to support the effort and help put a smile on the faces of those in need. Sponsors will be given space to market and promote their products and services at these events,” said Karanda.
She said people were free to contact her on her mobile number 0776 032 412 for further information on the events.entertainment